Fishing in Currawinya National Park

Currawinya National Park sits in semi-arid south-western Queensland, roughly 800 kilometres west of Brisbane near the New South Wales border town of Hungerford.

The park holds a striking mix of water types: the Paroo River running along its northern boundary, seasonal waterholes, and two large lakes — freshwater Lake Numalla and the saline Lake Wyara — that together form a Ramsar-listed wetland of international significance.

For anglers, the river and its associated waterholes are where the fishing happens. Fishing is permitted in designated areas along the Paroo River, but not at the lakes. Check with the ranger or on-site signs before you wet a line — the boundaries matter here.

The Caiwarro area near the northern end of the park, about 37 kilometres from the park office, is the named fishing location on the Paroo, and yellowbelly (golden perch) and catfish are the species you can expect to encounter.

Murray cod have been recorded in the Paroo historically, but sightings are now rarely reported, partly due to European carp pressure in the system. Access throughout the park is 4WD country.

The round trip to the lakes from the park office runs about 85 kilometres, and the river camping areas near Caiwarro are reached the same way.

Bush camping is available at sites along the Paroo, with basic facilities — a pit toilet at Caiwarro Ruins and tank water at Ourimperee Waterhole behind the Woolshed. Bring extra drinking water and a fuel stove regardless.

Queensland recreational fishing rules apply. Charter fishing operators require a commercial activity permit on top of standard licensing — check current requirements with the park directly before organising a guided trip.

The lakes draw the crowds of birdwatchers; the river draws far fewer visitors. That solitude is part of what makes fishing here worth the drive, even if the fishing itself is measured rather than spectacular.